Which one of the following is the chemical formula of Washing Soda ?

Which one of the following is the chemical formula of Washing Soda ?

NaHCO₃
Na₂CO₃·10H₂O
Na₂CO₃·5H₂O
NaOH
This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-1 – 2018
The correct answer is B) Na₂CO₃·10H₂O.
Washing soda is the common name for hydrated sodium carbonate. While anhydrous sodium carbonate is Na₂CO₃ (soda ash), the most common hydrated form used as washing soda is sodium carbonate decahydrate, with the chemical formula Na₂CO₃·10H₂O. This compound contains ten molecules of water of crystallization per molecule of sodium carbonate.
Sodium carbonate is used in various applications, including as a water softener (hence “washing soda”), in glass manufacturing, in the production of detergents and other chemicals. Sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃) is baking soda, which is different and used as a leavening agent and antacid. Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is caustic soda, a strong base used in soap making and other industrial processes.
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